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reflect

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reflect (back) (up)on someone or something

to remember or think about someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) When I reflect back on the years I spent with my parents, I think I had a good childhood. I like to reflect on my great-grandmother.

See also: on, reflect

reflect credit (up)on someone or something

[for some act] to bring credit to someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Your efforts really reflect credit upon you. Mary's success really reflected credit on the quality of her education.

See also: credit, on, reflect

reflected in something

 

1. Lit. [of something] mirrored in something, such as a mirror, water, ice, etc. His image was reflected in the mirror, giving him a good view of his sunburn. When the hermit's image was reflected in the pool, he was amazed.

2. Fig. [of something] shown in a result. The extra charges will be reflected in next month's bill. I do not understand all the charges that are reflected in my statement.

See also: reflect

reflect on something

also reflect upon something

to think seriously about something Her essay invites the reader to reflect on the importance of art in people's lives.

See also: on, reflect

reflect on somebody/something

to influence the reputation of a person, group, or organization The outstanding work of our scientists reflects well on the entire university. If someone on our staff does a bad job, it reflects badly on all of us.

Usage notes: always used with an adverb and said of both good and bad influences on a reputation

See also: on, reflect

reflect on

1. Consider or think carefully about, as in She reflected on her country's role in history. [c. 1600] A closely related phrase is on due reflection, meaning "after careful consideration." For example, On due reflection I decided to vote for the incumbent.

2. reflect on one. Give evidence of one's qualities, as in The hasty preparation of this report will reflect on you. [Second half of 1600s]

See also: on, reflect

reflect on

or reflect upon

v.

1. To think carefully about something: He sat in the garden and reflected on what he had just read.

2. To express carefully considered thoughts about something: In the essay, she reflects on her long career and offers advice for young writers.

3. To give evidence of the characteristics or qualities of someone or something: The student's performance reflects well on the whole school. Hasty preparation of the report will reflect badly on you.

4. To appear as a reflected image on some surface: The trees are reflecting on the water.

5. To cause something to appear as a reflected image on some surface: The window reflected wavy lines on the floor.

See also: on, reflect